Fun for all the Family at JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa and Marriott's Phuket Beach Club 

18 July 2002

If the Kids are happy then everyone's happy - and at JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa and Marriott's Phuket Beach Club's two bedroom villas, this is certainly the case.

The resort is extremely spacious, covering 11 hectares (27 acres), and is the only property on the beautiful Mai Khao Beach which stretches for 17 kms, overlooking the Andaman Sea. 

The two properties which are fully integrated, are perfect for families. The happy sounds of laughter are a delight to parents who can enjoy precious time together, knowing that their little ones are in good hands. 

"The Thais adore children and also love to play and have fun ('sanuk') so the combination of the staff and children is so easy and natural states Jerry Phelps, resort General Manager. The children who enjoy our properties today are of course the next generation of Marriott clients. Marriott is a family business with over 75 years experience of making memorable vacations" he continued.

One couple who stayed at the resort just after it opened in December last year felt like they were on honeymoon again as their twin babies were taken care of by the resort's babysitters each day while they had romantic breakfasts together, something which they had not been able to do since the babies were born. 

The children just can't wait to get to the Kids Club each day which has a fun-filled and varied activities program, while Mum and Dad spend time relaxing by the pool, or pamper themselves at the fabulous Mandara spa, play tennis or golf, catch up on reading, or just spending quality time together. Mind you- there are often some 'big kids' in the kids club too - and it's wonderful to see families enjoy the activities together as they make those precious memories that last for many years to come.

Marriott Vacation Club International's two bedroom Villas at the Phuket Beach Club's are perfect for families. The childrens bedroom has an adjoining bathroom and its own 29 inch Sony Flat Screen TV while the master bedroom has a very large ensuite and it's own TV. A third TV in the lounge area enables family viewing - or Mum and Dad can watch the news while the kids bop away to MTV - everyone's happy.

Sofa beds in the lounge and second bedroom cater for bigger families or those who have a Nanny traveling with them.

Each villa is fully self contained and fully equipped with cooking facilities, a full size fridge and freezer and a combined washing machine/dryer and crockery, cutlery and glassware, giving guests the flexibility to use these facilities, or the restaurants and resort laundry, as they prefer.

Siam Deli has a fabulous range of gourmet foods, freshly baked breads and pastries, salads, fruit and snacks that can be eaten in or "to go" and even baby food. Villa guests can buy supplies and prepare these in their 'home away from home'. Some guests who are staying several weeks, send their 'grocery list' to the resort prior to arrival so the villa is fully stocked while others like to buy their own once they arrive.

Mum and Dad can enjoy romantic candlelight dinners on their balcony after the kids are peacefully tucked in after their action-packed day.

Tots and Teens - nothing worse of course than sending a teenager to the "Kids" club and Marriott have cleverly approached this by having separate Tots and Teens sections. While the littlies have climbing frames, wooden toys, karaoke, a dolls house, computers and their own small sized furniture, today's sophisticated teenagers also enjoy the facilities especially for them which include a large movie screen, billiard table and another section of computers which are hugely popular, and also have limited internet access to avoid any viewing of inappropriate sites. 

While the resort's first New Year's Eve Party was in progress last year, the Kids Club has its own party in full swing and in several cases it was the parents who were tired long before the children !

The "Little Turtles" program includes movies, arts and crafts, games, swimming activities, hair beading, and also a variety of activities where the children can make jewelry, sand castles, pictures, baskets, decorations and much more. 

In addition to the Kids Club activities - an extensive range of daily activities is also available for all house guests.

Special Events - Even though the resort is newly open, Father Christmas and Easter Bunny were informed well in advance and made special appearances and played games with their fans. Special activities are also held during Thai festivals and for occasions such as Mothers and Fathers Day.

Sea Turtles - The resort is adjacent to the Sirinath Marine National Park and protected sea turtle nesting area. During the nesting season (November to February) the giant leatherback turtles (which average 1.8 meters in length) nest on the beach. Families can visit the turtle sanctuary in the nearby village and during the "Songkran" (Thai New Year) festival in April, the villagers release the baby turtles into the sea.

The Kids Club has educational programs for children on the turtles. As part of its grand opening ceremonies in March, the resort donated US$45,000 to set up the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, and raises funds to help this critically endangered species, as also conducts educational and awareness programs for visitors and guests.

Swimming Pools and Water Slide - The main swimming pool is enormous with a separate section that caters especially for families, including a shallow bubble pool and a water slide. There is still room at the main pool for those wanting to relax in a quieter environment as it meanders over 107 meters. The resort is not exclusively a family resort however, and a second pool in the northern part of the property caters more for couples, complete with chaise lounges built for two.